Walk with elected officials Saturday

Tuesday

If phone calls and emails don’t work, there’s another way to get through to your local elected official, if you don’t mind walking.

The next “Walk With Your Local Elected Official” is set for Saturday at multiple locations in Spartanburg County.

In its second year, the walk is part of Mary Black Foundation’s goals to healthy eating and active living, and it's the outgrowth of Spartanburg County having been one of 50 communities chosen in 2016 to participate in a Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge — a joint initiative of the Aetna Foundation, the American Public Health Association and the National Association of Counties.

Communities that demonstrate the greatest health improvements will receive cash prizes, and there will be one $500,000 grand prize winner and four $50,000 runners up, which will be announced in December.

“Our focus is trying to encourage opportunities for living healthy lives, and we are excited our elected officials have led these walks,” said Natalia Swanson with the Mary Black Foundation. “It’s both encouraging physical activity and civic engagement.”

Walking will be elected officials from town and city councils as well as school districts and school principals, she said.

Among the participants are Pacolet Mayor Michael Meissner and Spartanburg City Councilman Alan Jenkins.

“As an elected official, I’m always looking for ways to meet people I haven’t met before,” Jenkins said in a statement. “I’ve been thrilled with the conversations I’ve been a part of while walking down the trail and the fun we’ve had.”

In the six previous walks, 583 people have participated, and Swanson said she is looking for a big turnout on Saturday. Another walk will be held in November and co-hosted by faith leaders, she said.

The walk will start at 10 a.m. Saturday. There is no charge, and the distances range between one and two miles. It will be held rain or shine.